Acting detective inspector Perry Benton said: “At this very early stage we are still piecing together what exactly has happened. However we believe the 17-year-old victim has lost his life following a sustained and possibly targeted attack.

GOOGLE MAPS

A section of Victoria Dockland Road is closed as officers investigate the scene

“We would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information, to come forward and speak to police as soon as possible.”

A Metropolitan Police statement added: “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 8pm on Wednesday, 14 February to reports of a male suffering stab injuries on Goldwing Close, E16.

“Officers attended. The victim, believed to be aged 17-years-old, was pronounced dead at the scene at 8.38pm.

“Police are in the process of informing next of kin.

GETTY

The boy, believed to be aged 17, was pronounced dead at the scene

“A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. Formal identification awaits. “There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries continue. “A vehicle was later found abandoned in Freemasons Road near the junction with Victoria Dock Road, E16. Officers are examining the vehicle to establish whether it is linked to the earlier incident.”